quiti2xspeaks

Migration to WordPress

2012-08-27T01:37:00.001+08:00

You read that right!

As much as I want to retain my blogger account, i have to give it up (i think). The big switch is primarily because, i can't properly access my blogger account via my BB.

Sucks right? Before, I can properly access it but because of some reason or change in the google group of of applications synchronization (what ever that means) rendered me incapable of accessing my blog.

Well, I guess I'm not much of a loss.

Word press, although a bit more technical, has an app for BB enabling me to blog from almost anywhere provided that i have an internet connection that is. But still very convenient for me.

Here's the link: http://flipfloppintraveler.wordpress.com/

There's not many posts yet but I promise there will be more soon! Cross my heart and hope to drop dead (LOL!).

Caio for now! (this has a ring to it... i might use it again...)

Extra Extra! Read all about it!

2012-07-22T00:47:00.000+08:00

You would normally hear the phrases "Extra! Extra! Read all about it!" in the US or Britain, when the main transportation means is through a horse-drawn carriage and when bowler hats were in fashion, announcing the headlines of the news paper so that passersby will purchase a copy. Well nowadays, it's rarely used. You can get your daily dose of news via the internet via your computer/ tablet/ smartphone

Well this is post is not about newspapers. This is about another type of extras. I'm referring to those who appear in TV along side celebrities who most of the time are just walking by in the background. I became one for Belo Essentials "DIVAS" 30s TVC. And I had a BLAST! Check it out on youtube!

It started call from a friend who was working in Belo asking if I was available to extra. Good thing I had suspension from my tardiness from work so I said yes. The thing was, I was under the weather suffering from colds and asthma. Considering the call and opportunity, I decided to grab it (it's not everyday you get a call for a shooting, right?). As I have mentioned in previous post, I have always wanted to be a travel talk show host right? That dream is still alive but I have come to terms that it might just be a dream. So this kind of opportunity should not be shrugged off.

So on the shooting day, we arrived a bit early at the location. The theater was being set-up: there were lights, smoke machines, mirrors, cameras, props with the director checking every aspect directing minute changes on every thing on the set. I had to stop right there and took a deep breath. This was one of the careers that I was considering to take: showbusiness. HAHAHAHAHA! (i wanted to be an artist/actor when i was in preschool, swear to God!). Bottom line, I wanted to be either on camera or off camera at one point in my life.

We had breakfast first as rest of the my friend's office mates started arriving with their other friends who will be extras for the shoot. It was nice to meet new people and like me, are in our mid 20s and rocking it in their own professional careers. After breakfast, I checked the story board to know what scenes will be taken and found that the two endorsers for the day will be none other than Sarah G and Toni G, two of the brightest young stars of our generation. I am not a big celebrity fanatic but I idolize Toni Gonzaga for being her impeccable hosting! It must be the tone of her voice plus her witty adlibs that makes her a perfect host. Add her superb acting skills, then you have a force to be reckoned with! Sarah G on the other hand has her all powerful voice and sweet charms that got almost everyone captivated by her. I said to myself, it'll be a treat indeed.

The extras were grouped in two: one who will be production people for Toni's shots, the other for Sarah's. I was with Toni's group who were to shoot first. The production director had to give us specific tasks for the shot. I was to pull this rack of clothes after Toni walked passed with the thought of being happy since the concert was over and it was time for pack-up. Fairly easy right? Yes it was but the challenge was repeating it again and again to get that "money shot" as they say. We had a fair number of takes and most of them were good but it's not up to us to decide but the agency as well as the client have the final say if that was the shot. The production director was always saying that we all should have high energy and animatedly talk and interact with each other. We gave him that but doing it repetitively would left us a bit drained. Toni was of course gorgeous. The cuts were mainly because of us the extras and not her. She was really good.

The next part of the shoot was Toni again. This time she was sitting on a chair and speaking lines. What we had to do was just pass quietly (and i mean shush, not a sound or word) in the background. This shoot was more meticulous since there are lines to be delivered. We had to do several takes for this too and it was a good thing that one of my friend belonged to the same group so I chatted with him every time they did a playback. Although there was one instance when I was prancing in the background...

Me: <prancing in the background>
Me: urgh (quietly) <hitting the knob>
<slow motion>
Me: (mouth open as i saw the knob falling down)
<tok>
<tog>
Prod Director: Anyare dyan?(What happened there?) Quiet on the set.

I wanted to poof out of the theater but since I'm mortal, I just smiled and carried on. The director did not say "cut" and we don't stop moving until they say "cut" (snaps with head moving side to side).

We had lunch after that scene. The stage needs to be rearranged for another scene. I honestly thought that being and extra was a means to get paid with minimum effort but I guess i was wrong. It has it's own difficulties primarily because of the repetition that you had to do. Lunch with everyone was really nice mainly because everyone was nice. The fact that we were all of the same age group was a big plus too of us getting along well.

The next scene will show both Toni and Sarah waving to the crowd behind them, turn around and walks towards the camera as the curtains closes behind them. We were in the background cheering them on as fans with flashing cameras. We were given instructions already on what to do but had to wait for the talents who were taking their lunches so we had a few minutes to kill time. We took pictures here and there and ended up chatting a lot with each other. And it honestly felt like I was talking to friends whom I have known for a long time.

It was time to take again. With both endorsers on the stage, dressed in gorgeous gowns, I was like "OMG, they look breath taking" with a conyo accent with matching imaginary braces (imagine what it would sound like. i'll try to demo it if you get to meet me). The scene was we are their audience who are cheering them on as the show ended. I can work that. We were cheering and jumping to our feet to the tune of Nicki Minaj's Starships. The scene was easy but our throats were a bit dry after since we were cheering for a more realistic feel on the part of the endorsers. We finished it just in time for another break as the theater is prepared for Sarah's shoot.

More pictures were taken, facebook accounts were opened to add new friends plus there was a need for a seriously good iced coffee from a certain kuya who prepares them. I was having a good time but I had to check on emails so I missed mirienda(snacks). By the time I was through and was able to catch up with the group, they were already on stage with Sarah G and doing their blockings. I figured, I was done for the day but wanted to stay still to finish everything. It was really nice to see the other group work and it was basically the same movements walking in the background but with a different set up. I was carefully observing how everyone was moving from the camera’s angle and saw that this type of profession really requires not just an eye for detail but more of eyes, ears, nose and touch of detail. Basically, all of your senses must work on getting everything right. A tall order in deed but I believe that experience will help you a lot on this.

There was another shoot with Sarah. This was a beauty shot so there were no extras required. We were all hanging out in the theater, looking at the shoot, checking our facebooks (but we are not allowed to say that we were in a shooting). We got a go signal to go the dressing rooms of Sarah and Tony for a photo op. This was it, an up close and personal look on both these showbiz stars. They were really nice and accommodating for pictures even though they were both tired and still had to shoot. After that it was homeward bound for everyone.

Here were some of the pictures taken all throughout the shoot:

This was a definitely FUN experience for me. But I guess the best thing that I got out of it was making NFFs (new found friends) plus a some Belo Essential products that they gave me which I am now using today. It made my hands soft as per my mother. Her exact words were “parang ang lambot na ng kamay mo..kaka-Belo mo yan no? (your hands seems softer. From using Belo products?)”. In my head I answered, “Only Belo touches my skin. Who touches yours?”

10 Years From Now

2012-07-08T15:44:00.000+08:00

10 years from Now

I have this set of friends whom I have known for more or less 7 years now. Yes, 7 years. I honestly just discovered it while I was making this entry. And I am just happy to say that we are, in the strong essence of the word, intact. We still have those get together dinner, movie nights, videoke sessions, coffee’ til the break of dawn, tennis games, road trip, overnight swimming and other forms of tambayan modes common to those of barkadas.

We were 16 all in all, composed of two sets of student leaders who served the College of Business Administration of De La Salle University – Dasmariñas from 2005 to 2007. Right now, we are all working stiffs busy with our respective professional careers. Some have colourful lovelives, but majority are still single.

The first 8 was officially gathered inside a jeep in 7-11 in front of the main gate of DLSU-D around December 2004 bound for Naic, Cavite to undergo through leadership training and group deliberations under our political party. Afterwards, campaign started. We won as we had had no contenders and was followed by one entire year of student service: implementing projects (events, seminars, structures, and the likes) for the betterment of the College Business Administration students under one thrust: Service Oriented Leadership Initiating Development a.k.a. as SOLID (positive double meaning right?). Add one crucial person as our adviser to complete the mix total 9. We had our trials and triumphs during that year together. After the term ended, two graduated while the remaining six to finish their respective degrees. From the six, two rose to the University student council plus 1 from CBA. One has to focus on academics. The remaining 3 got re-elected after being joined by 5 new faces plus the same advisor totalling 9 again. Serving with a new thrust: Fuelled by Passion, Driven by Excellence, Gearing towards Quality Student Service(no acronyms but it says it all) Now based on that statements, we have 15 (yes, that is the correct answer! Read again if you did not arrive at the same number). Although two have graduated and three are in the USC, there was still some form of connections that linked us still to each other. The 16^th one from the roster of those supposed to be seated for SY 2007-2008 but due technicalities, was not proclaimed (if you were not able to follow, just email me so I can explain, OK?).

As with all students, there came a point where we all graduated and started work on our respective professional careers. After graduation, communications got blurry. I would know as I was most of the time, the event organizer of the group as was most probably never been absent in a get together. Two went abroad: one for good and one who goes home twice a year but is in constant communication. One focused on family life. One had and still have issues. One busy with MBA. Two have busy schedules. So basically, the attendance is just about 50% of the original number more or less. They have valid reasons though but as the organizer, it’s somehow frustrating to not get the entire 16 person set in one place at one time. We’ll I tried but maybe there are just people do come into your life then drift away after leaving an impact. That’s the way it is so goes Celine Dion’s song. Maybe it just is.

And yet again, one is leaving for abroad soon. As in soon. Alas, that’s the way it is. But I believe that the remaining 50% have established bonds that can’t be severed by distance. I strongly believe that.

During the part 2 despedida and birthday bash overnight swimming and videoke party, there was this moment where I just looked around and saw everybody happy and enjoying each other’s company. It would be best described as a panoramic sweeping picture depicting each of our faces either with a smile or a wide open mouth of a big laugh as we sit around in a circle by the munching on delish home-made brownies, left over liempo and a bag of cornik opened last month while playing People Connect (I just named it that). And, I couldn’t help but wonder, will we still be like this 10 years from now?

By that time, we’d be ranging from 34 to 37 years old. There is a big possibility that we’d look the same with minor variations like bigger tummy or bigger muscles, false teeth maybe, more gray hair otherwise hidden under color, some piercings or tattoos. The remaining group of eight might grow to around 20 factoring in partners and children plus yayas (yes, there might be yayas). The venue might not be the same resort but on a private island or a hotel which one of us owns. There will be this big screen with webcam where people from abroad or those who can’t be present can check in on the happenings and just be “there” although virtually. Food will most probably be the same comfort food that we are familiar with. Children would need to be in bed before the alcohol is brought out. The discussions would most probably by about business, politics, travels and so on and so forth. There would be most probably a lights out time to get some shut eye. After the over night, we would drive to our homes. No more walking out the streets and waiting for tricycles. The might not even be the text advise or BBM that would read “ just got home. Thanks for the time and see you soon..”. This practice is slowly fading away...

I had to stop my dream sequence right there and bring myself back to that moment where everybody was laughing and enjoying and said to myself, “Enough with dreaming of things that may or may not happen ‘cause you might miss precious moments of the now.”

Movie Review: The Avengers

2012-04-28T02:09:00.000+08:00

Quiti2x on The Avengers!

This would be my first movie review blog so let me just breakdown how I would do this.

I will be giving the plot, the background/setting, the effects, the characters SNAPs (this is SSSSOOOOOO Legally Blonde but whatever. I like how it sounds), 5 being the highest and 1 being the lowest, followed by an explanation of the SNAP.

I guess that pretty much covers it.

On with the review!

The plot:

Loki, Thor’s brother, fumed with revenge, want to take over Earth and free the human race through enslavement. Yeah.. I know.. I don’t get it too but majority of evil plans doesn’t make actual sense , right? So he travels to Earth with some ancient knowledge that he discovered while in exile through a character that I don’t know the off, to get the Tesseract to use it as a weapon to free but enslave the human kind (rolling eyes).

S.H.I.E.L.D. (which I also don’t know the meaning too..) has the Tesseract for “research”. Loki was successful in stealing it from S.H.I.E.L.D. and mind-slaving some members which he needed. Fury, the guy with the eye patch, had the task of bringing together Earth’s heroes through the Avengers initiative that consists of Captain America, Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Agent Romanov, and Hawkeye.

The plot was that of a typical super hero comic book where the antagonist would like to take over the world. The thing that made it interesting for me was that this was a war between a god, Loki and his army of alien/mythologic creatures versus the champions of the Earth. How’s that??

Even though the plot looks like it would be an testosterone with a pinch of estrogen butt whooping action film, it actually has a very well placed and tasteful spoonfuls of comedy that will take your mind our of the action then suck you right back in!

Quiti2x verdict: 5 SNAPS

The background/settings:

From the Iron Man movies, you might have had a feel of how current the environment and also how futuristic it seems because of the technology shown in the movies. This was also carried on The Avengers movie.

THE WASTE LAND: This is in the opening scenes depicting a barren rocky landscape where Loki and the character that I don’t know were first seen was artfully done. Black violet and blues were the hues creating a sinister feel where the typical evil lurks.

TESSERACT HOLDING/TESTING AREA: From the name, it’s a lab where SHIELD is trying to decipher the inner working of the Tesseract. Very current open space testing area which Loki trashed. Well turned into rubble actually.

STARK TOWER: From the name itself, this owned but none other than Tony Stark, quadrillionaire, genius and all around player that is self sustaining and eco friendly. Truly a vision of future green engineering of course with a custom landing pad that removes Iron Man’s suite as he walks through

THE INVISIBLE CARRIER/AIRPLANE SHIELD COMMAND CENTER: No words to describe it but GIANORMOUSLY AWESOME! This started out as a airplane carrier that I thought would turn into a submarine but instead to a flying engineering masterpiece. Complete with the command centre with futuristic technology. But wait there’s more. It a cloaking device that makes it invisible. Beat that Hogwarts!

THE HULK CONTAINMENT UNIT: This was designed for the Hulk in case he decided to make an appearance and trash the command centre that was designed to withstand the Hulk’s strength and eject (more like drop) if in case he went berserk. This was where Loki was locked up but still have control over the entire situation.

STREETS OF MANHATTAN: Of course the island of Manhattan, famous as it is, is the setting for the battle royale of the movie between the Avengers and the invaders.

The ones mentioned were the background that I really love. Need I say more to defend my ratings?

Quiti2x verdict: 5 SNAPS

The cast:

Robert Downey Jr. as TONY STARK/ IRON MAN

This quarillionaire genius player was the brains and swagger of this movie. We all know that he was genius enough to make a suit to make him an oh-so-hot super hero. Although, Tony Stark was not recommended to be part of the Avengers but Iron Man was. In the end, you just can’t separate the suit from the man.

I love his comedic inserts and snide comments which actually balanced out the movie. He got all the scientific stuff down into deliveries that were believable.

Highlight: getting the one of the engines of the flying command centre running again and guiding the nuclear missile to the portal and coming back to Earth

Quiti2x verdict: 5 SNAPS

Chris Evans as STEVE ROGERS/ CAPTAIN AMERICA

This man-sicle and war hero had spent his frustrations of missing out on a date decades back, spent his time punching bags. Although he was in the 21^st century he still stuck to his era. He rose to the occasion once he was called by SHIELD and took the role of leader of the Avengers after a few verbal squabble s with Tony Stark. Good thing as the entire team would have needed his leadership skills. Although he does not have powers that shoot out of his hands, he makes up for it with his kick-ass skills!

Everything was almost perfect (oh yes!) except for his voice which I though lacked some umph to it. But then again he was able to direct the Avengers to a team.

Highlight: Taking charge of the Avengers and directing them to battle

Quiti2x verdict: 4 SNAPS

Mark Ruffalo as BRUCE BANNER/ THE HULK

Bruce Banner has spent his time helping out people in India. And his expertise in gamma rays was the main reason he was collected. He chose to be under the radar (so he thought) to get the green monster alter persona of him under control. Now the Hulk when unleashed was just like “BOOM”

Mark Ruffalo did a good job particularly in the scene when he was collected and sort of lost his temper allowing the Hulk to make an almost there appearance. The swift transition from anger to calmness was just superb

Highlight: collection of Bruce Banner and bashing Loki (it was hilariously GREAT!) plus hitting back on Thor

Quiti2x verdict: 5 SNAPS

Chris Hemsworth as THOR

Thor just actually appeared out of nowhere when Iron Man and Captain America captured Loki (very easily might I add) to take Loki into questioning on the whereabouts of the Tesseract. He knowS well the power that the cube posses and fears for his beloved Earth so he decided to help and join the Avengers.

Chris Hemsworth was not actually big on the acting side. But his mighty hammer and his lightning were great additions to the Avengers. Plus he’s a god!

Highlight: Smacking the Hulk into almost unconsciousness with his hammer and sending out a lighting storm using the Empire state building as a lightning rod

Quiti2x verdict: 4 SNAPS

Scarlett Johansson as NATASHA ROMANOFF/ BLACK WIDOW

We first saw her in Iron Man 2 and got a taste of what she can do. Here, she was the rose among the thorns and held her own despite of the big heroes around her. Collected Bruce Bane, interrogated Loki and did amazing fights! Who said that you needed to be a gamma exposed, or wear armor, or be experimented on to be a heroine??

Scarlett Johansson was just FIERCELY AWESOME! I’m sure she can make Uma Thurman in Kill Bill and Angelina Jolie in Salt a run for their money! GIRL POWER! Although she was a bit under acting but I guess that is what you get from a spy. Still, BRILLIANT! I wish they would make a Black Widow movie!

Highlight: taking on 3 men while bound to a chair, interrogating Loki, taking an enemy flying contraption to get to the portal to close it down.

Quiti2x verdict: 5 SNAPS

Jeremy Renner as AGENT CLINT BARTON/HAWKEYE

While protecting the Tesseract, Hawkeye was mind-controlled by Loki because of his heart and determination. Since he was under a spell, he turned against SHIELD and almost brought down the command centre from the sky. He was that good. But after a hard knock out from Black Widow, he was snapped back to reality. He proved to be a great asset to SHIELD as he wielded his bow and arrows which were pretty cool too!

There wasn’t that much moments of him acting but more on combats and shooting only. But his scene with Black Widow on their life as spies was ok.

Highlight: Shooting down the enemy with his bow and arrow hitting his mark every time

Quiti2x verdict: 4 SNAPS

Samuel L. Jackson as NICK FURY

Nick Fury has been cameo appearing in the individual movies of each hero. He’s in this movie the entire time. Stern but brilliant, he formed the Avengers and convinced them to be a team as they are Earth’s last hope. I actually don’t know how he ended up with one eye but I guess the look suits him

Samuel L. Jackson was great too. He was like the PR person of the Avengers versus their detractors with his direct to the point statements.

Highlight: Explaining the real purpose of SHIELD and anchoring on the death of Agent Phil to push the team to unite

Quiti2x verdict: 4 SNAPS

Tom Hiddleston as LOKI

As told in Norse mythology, Loki is the god of mischief and has been the public enemy number 1 of Asgard. In this movie, he wants to take over the Earth and enslave humans so as to free them. Wielding his magic staff/ spear, he destroyed the original SHIELD command centre to a rubble, mind-controlled agents and a scientist, demanded people to kneel in from of him, have himself captured but still under control of everything, and summons his army to destroy Manhanttan. EVIL!

Tom Hiddleston was perfect for the role I think. He has that sinister yet regal look which is fit for the god of mischief. There was only one thing missing for me. He didn’t have an evil laugh that rings in times of his short lived triumph. Guess I’ll just laugh for him <evil laugh>

Highlight: Cornering people in the park and getting them to kneel down at him

Quiti2x verdict: 5 SNAPS

Clark Gregg as Agent Phil Coulson

Agent Phil first appeared in the Iron Man movies. He was a huge fan on Captain America and was looking for the right opportunity to have him sign it. He was the cause of the turning point of each avenger.

Clark Gregg was delightful in his scene where he was talking to Captain America. I felt his awe and elation to be standing next to his idol so to speak. Plus he was a scapegoat to get everything in proper motion. Although he was not a hero initially, he became one too one way or another.

Highlight: Facing Loki with a big ass gun but gets stabbed and died before he managed to hit Loki

Quiti2x verdict: 5 SNAPS

Cobie Smulders as Agent Maria Hill

Agent Maria Hill was right hand woman, in my opinion of Nick Fury that made sure everything was good .

Cobie Smulders stepped out of her girl next door image with this movie.

Highlight: car chase with Loki and his mind controlled agents while trying to avoid being buried alive.

Quiti2x verdict: 4 SNAPS

The effects:

AWESOME is I guess the best word to describe the effects in this movie. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Opening of the portal to another world

2. SHIELD’s command center converting from an airship carrier to a flying airship carrier then turning invisible (that was a mouthful)

3. Tony Stark removing his Iron Man suit while walking on a platform (really cool!)

4. Loki’s multiplicity power

5. Bruce Banner’s transformation into the Hulk

6. Thor conjuring up lightning with his hammer

7. Nick Fury’s conference call with world leaders

8. Alien with their flying machines and the flying worm of mass destruction (you get it right??)

Quiti2x verdict: 5 SNAPS

OVERALL:

The Avengers movie was worth the wait! And like I said, has this amazing inserts of comedy that pulls you right out of the action for a second then you get sucked right back in.

I honestly think this is the BEST Marvel movie made to date!

Quiti2x verdict: 5 SNAPS

I recommend this movie to everyone! Although, I’m pretty sure that the comic book junkies who followed this series may have some let down which I guess is typical.

Remember that this movie was rated in the Philippines as PG-13. So parents out there, please accompany your children while watching this movie. I’m sure you would enjoy it too!

If you still haven’t watched THE AVENGERS movie, well, what are you waiting for?? The part 2??? GOGOGO and buy your tickets already!

Extras: I would love to place pictures in this blog but by internet connection is slow. Just check it out in the web

Room

2012-03-31T22:46:00.002+08:00

I come from a middle class family. By middle class, I mean we get by most of the times. We live in a small house in the city, originally with two rooms in which we added another one as our family grew in size (we got bigger in more ways than one, hehe) and in number..

I was OK with the set up of sharing rooms but as I have mentioned, we grew bigger as time went by and it is getting crowded at times particularly during the weekends where all six adults and one child have to share the space. I know it sounds that I am complaining (well, I actually am) but I have to work with what I have. That doesn’t mean that I stop dreaming of a day when I have my own room for those days that I don’t want to mingle with my family or just preferred to be alone. So I have always wondered how it would be like to have a room for myself.

We have lived at our place for about 20 plus years already. And it is already fully paid for. The house, no matter how small it was, was the only witness on our day to day lives. If it was alive, it can very well describe each one who lives in it, our personalities, our moods, our entire being, and might add those that a few people can see.

My siblings and I have already graduated college and now working on our careers as professionals. Before, our entire money was spent on our education: tuition fees, allowances, dormitories and all that jazz. Today, things are looking a bit up most of the times. We get by still.

At the latter part of the year, our next door neighbour put up a “for sale” sign on the door and our family was all eyes on it. My parents were able to negotiate with them on the prize, loaned it from the bank and viola, we now can occupy new space. I won’t say “own” yet since we are still pooling together resources to pay for the loan. Once we’ve paid it, I’ll blog it J. My dreams for a new room is within reach.

The former occupants left the house with no paint on the rooms so I was eager to help out in painting. We opted to do it ourselves than hire a painter as it’s more practical. It took us about three or four Saturdays to complete the necessary painting in the new space. But there is still a lot of things to do after that like tiling the floors, changing some doors and making a hole in a wall for accessibility. Well, we are taking it one step at a time since the renovations would entail, well, more money.

The good thing is, I have a space for myself in the new house! Yey! After, 25 year of existence, a dream is somewhat fulfilled. By somewhat, I mean, I still need to give the space up if we have guest. So, I return to the top bunk of a double deck in a room I shared with my brother once in a while. But, occasions like that are rare.

Here are some pics of the room:

I want to buy a cabinet, table, TV, mirror, and perhaps a painting. Though I’m holding back because there is no final plan yet as to what will happen in the house. Even though it’s not officially mine, I’m just happy to have a place I can call “room”.

Solo Flight

2012-02-19T15:55:00.000+08:00

My time alone is really a valuable moment for me. Sitting by myself or eating or sipping a cup of tea or frappe.

But this time it feels weird for what so ever reason. Maybe because I'm not in my usual haunting places where there are far less people around. I'm currently at a mall in Manila within an over looking view of the famous Manila Bay where families couples and groups of friends gather to spend bonding moments. I feel as if I'm the only person who chose to go by himself here. Making me feel stupid. Specially seeing people around looking at me as if I'm some pitiful person who no one would like to hang around with. Or I'm just being paranoid about the stares..Maybe right? I don't want to be assuming.

The confines of my shared room is my normal haunting place. The down side and plus side is that I can't smoke. The next place would be a coffee shop just 5 minutes away by jeep from our place. Far less people there. Just the way i like it. Where people mind their own ways mostly with a book or with a laptop or just staring out to empty place lost in thought.

Since this is somewhat of a change for me. I enjoy watching the comings and goings of different people. And it's a but fun really. There a couple to my right and my back,a Korean family to the table on my left, a bunch of maritime male students to my far left, a group of rowdy boys to my far right.

I think of people watching as a movie with real people going about their day to day life. with a 360 degree screen. It's nice to see people bonding and relaxing in their own little way. No scripts, no cameras, just themselves with every bit of their being..

It's amazing to watch and wonder what they are conversing about, what they are going through. Well, my guess would be a good as yours. The story lines are endless. There is probably how film writers and play rights go to to be inspired to write their masterpieces.

One of my things to do is actually write a book. On what topic, I still have to figure that out. As I've said, the story lines are endless. And the book writing process takes a while. We'll see if this would turn out to be one that I accomplish or one that would remain on my list. I hope to cross it out but I'm not in a hurry.

Now back to me, I came here to be alone to relax. Well, I actually came here to work, To check on stocks and pricing the be reported back to the office tomorrow.Well, the store visits can wait as I am still enjoying myself.

As the saying goes, no man is an island. Don't get me wrong. I like my fair share of company too. But iff by some twisted reality where I end up being alone, it might take a long time before I completely loose myself and start talking to inanimate objects. All I'm saying is a good time alone is good your your being.

123111 2012

2012-01-02T00:18:00.000+08:00

(this entry is supposed to have been posted on 12/31/11 but it was not finished)

Today is the last day of 2011. I think this is the best day to evaluate the year that will be passing.

2011 for me was a mix of happiness, fun, laughter with ample heaps of challenges, a breaking point, a depression stage (yes, this is not for the rich also, it affects all). Generally, it was a tough year. Am not sure if it is because of my Chinese astrological sign (Tiger) or if it was self inflicted. I think it boils more to the later don’t you think? But either way , i was still able to make it through the year. That’s the most important part.

There are a lot of things to be thankful for during 2011. I think there are a lot more to be thankful for during the year that passed. DEFINITELY! Now don’t let me enumerate them all or it would take forever! Hahahah (I might end up waking up late this tardy for work which i DON’T want to happen)

The challenges were really tough. Mainly because of my own doing, I think. I honestly thought i was about to lose my job at one point followed by a depression period which come to think of it, happened also at the same period last 2010. So it might just be a bad coping mechanism that i have that leaves me in a moment that i don’t want to be. Well, at least now , it has been identified and must dedicate time to fix it. Financially, there were improvements but (another self inflicted thing) i bit more that i can chew. Me counting my chicks before they actually have. I have to stop there because i could go on forever.

I have actually made a list of things that i should be thankful for, challenges that i faced and more importantly the things that i need to improve on (this particular one, is a LONG one!). Well, i guess you would have figured it out why the “things to improve” list is a long one. It’s because most of the challenges that i encountered were self inflicted (I guess, I’m a masochist!). And i want to break that for this year which coincides with the Year of the Water Dragon which mean changes.

What is in store for me this 2012? I would never know! (duh) But if i was self inflict negative stuff, why not inflict the GOOD stuff right? So i guess, no matter what your astrological sign is or what you believe in, your future is always in your hands. It is just a cycle of leveraging on success, learning from failures and believing that there is always something BETTER to look forward to each and everyday.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! PAK PAK BOOM BOOM!

BB

2011-12-23T21:29:00.001+08:00

I was finally able to get one of the things that I wanted, a Black Berry..

I have been dreaming of holding one for a while now and finally I have "BB".. Haha, me any my habit of naming innanimate objects.. Like I say, to each their own right?

Owning a BB was on my list before the year ends. Actually, I have purposely allocated my 13th month pay for one. Planning to buy my own handset and use my prepaid sim but a good friend told me to get a line instead. Doing the math, I knew that getting the plan would get me all the features that I need with cashing out that much.

The service provider that I am currently using had a promo for only 599 covering the BBM and mobile internet 24/7.. Sound good right? But I figured, what about texting and calling. Well, 599 was what I can afford so I said why not.

I was at a service provider's shop and inquired. Got the form and would return the folloing day to submit the requirements and pay the needed amount. I submitted the requirements and was informed that the model needed was unavailable and that I had to wait for a week or so. That was not happening! The attendant told me that the plan 999 model was available. It didn't take long for me to be convinced (it's just like a snap. Me=gullible)

So with the power of my credit card (which I swear I will cut in two someday, YES, someday) I walked away that night with "BB".

BB's purchase was the last item that I will buy for myself..

Well, I hope I can keep that promise

la ciudad VIGAN

2011-11-07T01:32:00.000+08:00

October 28, 2011, 11:59 pm

I just got through our gate after fumbling a while with the lock trying to get it open. It is supposed to be an easy task right? Well, not for someone who’ve had a few number of beers(LOL).

I just barely made my promise to my mother , “mama” as I call her (not the Spanish sosyal manner, but more like the jologs Pinoy manner), to not come home in the wee hours of the morning since we had a scheduled trip over the long week to the oldest city of Philippines’ northern island, VIGAN CITY <in a beauty pageant manner/execution>

October 29, 2011 12:45 am

After drinking a couple of cold glasses of water to combat hang over (who would want to travel with a hang over?? That would be a problem right?) then hurriedly packing clothes good for the long week end, i was finally able to hit the sack. Our family was originally scheduled to start travelling by 4:00 am. So that would mean, I’d be lucky to get a least two hours worth of sleep. But then again, I would be able to sleep throughout the entire estimated travel of 8 to 12 hours (YES, you got that right!). I knew that it would be a very very bumpy ride.

5:00 am

Everybody was in the car which was finally able to accommodate 5 adults and one kid, well more comfortably than our last car(thank you Jesus!). We prayed the rosary first, well they did. I dozed off already off to a bumpy dream land that jerks me awake every hour having to cramp myself to a sleeping position that would work.

Traffic JAM

Since this long weekend was due to All Souls Day, majority of the corporate slaves of Metro Manila were flocking to get out of the city either to visit their dead or just to totally get away. Our family was for both. Good thing that Vigan is where my papa’s (again, not the Spanish sosyal manner, but more like the jologs Pinoy manner) parents were buried.

We hit a bunch of traffic jams while trying to out of the city. The express way were, well, express. But when we hit the provinces, there were jams here and there particularly in the cities that we passed through.

Still Travelling

8 to 12 hours is really a long way to travel. This is not by plane just by land. There is an option for plane but again it would not be an economical options for us. Although we have made this trip for several times already when we were younger and might I add, smaller that we would comfortably fit in a Toyota Corolla car. Now we have an Avanza but there was just one catch. We got bigger too. LOL and I mean BIGGER. HAHAHAHAHA.

I have no idea as to how far Metro Manila was to Vigan but by now you guys would have figured out how far it was from the travel time that I mentioned. We had to pass through around 10 provinces I think so imagine that. And my Papa did all the driving all on his own. Snaps for him.

We did have a number of stop overs on a way so there were moments where we can stretch our legs, eat, water up and so on and so forth. But there was something that I never did, smoke. If you are a nicotine addict, you would understand my sentiments. I thought for the entire trip there would be no nicotine intake for me. I actually accepted that fact already so i knew i have to busy myself. So i slept.

Vigan City

After about 12 hours of driving plus about 3 to 4 hours stopover in Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija, we turned left to enter Vigan City. Imagine that 12 hours of driving! It was exhausting for me a passenger but imagine the exhaustion level for Papa.

Our lolo and lola’s house was located in of the barrios near the outskirts of the city. We would have to pass by “Baluarte”, the former governor’s residence that was converted to a zoo. Our accommodations was changed when my lolo passed away. The old one was a 2 floor wooden house with big capiz windows. I loved that house. Too bad that the wood was devoured by termites a.k.a. “anay”. So the wood was replaced with a bungalow made of cement. The wooden house was much better but the bungalow had the same appeal. There was still the “balon” or well where we get water. But we mainly use the “poso” or manual water pump to get the water we need for bathing, washing the dishes. It was old school. Just the way I like it. The thing that i love the most with the compound aside from the trees are the “duyans” or hammock right below them. It is the best place to relax, read the newspaper or for our generation, get our daily doze of social networking.

Paraiso ni Juan (Juan’s Paradise)

The Philippines being an archipelago is known for her beaches. Ilocos Sur is not excepted.

There is this beach were we normally pass through to get to Vigan that has amazed me every time we go there because it has this big dead corals sticking out of the waters that leads to a grotto a few yards, well it me it felt a LOT farther, of, i think, John the Baptist. Well it was really picturesque PROMISE. I personally think the walk toward the grotto was more like the challenges that we face every day: you need to tread carefully to not be a victim of slippery rock, itchy seaweeds, enormous gaps, and trashing waves. It was a good thing the sea was a bit calm. What made it magical was the sunset that was ruined by guess what, torrential rain. It was still good fun.

FOOD TRIP! (yeah! \m/)

Now, an out of town trip to the north is not complete without PIG OUT moment of local delicacies! For Ilocos, below are the must eat:

1. BAGNET – pronounced as “bagnet”, this is a piece of belly meat (i am not sure) that has been deep fried for hours so that the pork skin is all crispy and golden brown. You eat this with rice after dipping it to vinegar with garlic salt and pepper and alamang (shrimp paste). Uhm uhm. Salivating are you? I am too.

2. VIGAN LONGANISSA – longanissa is the Pinoy version of sausage. This one is composed of minced pork then a ton of garlic. Fry these babies and it is recommended with vinegar or tomato salsa.

3. VIGAN EMPANADA – this (i think again, hmm.. i have a lot of this.. maybe i’m a bit of an assumptionista. LOL) is a Spanish inspired sort of pastry with egg and vigan longganisa filling with a bit of veggies. IT IS SOOOO GOOD!

4. TINUBONG – this is a “kakanin” or..or..hhmmm.. i have no idea on the English translation. i think it’s called rice pudding (me and my assumptions). the kakanin is cooked and eaten in inside a bamboo segment. Really a heavy snack for us.

5. CHICACORN – these are corn kernels fried with a dash or two of salt. Can be eaten per piece but that would just be a waste of time, so eat handfuls.

6. SINANGLAO – this a pig innards stew. I’m not a fan need i say more.

7. KALAMAY – another sweet stuff. It’s brown , a bit chewy, with coconut shavings. Really good

Well there you have it. These are the things that you can buy from them stalls. Your trip would not be complete without eating these.

Calle Crisologo

This is a street within the city’s plaza complex where the Spanish designed houses are lined up with souvenir shops on the first floor and the 2^nd floor is livable.

If it is your first time to visit Ilocos, I would recommend going to Calle Crisologo first since there is a Department of Tourism Office here where there are people who can give information about which places to see depending on your preference.

You can hail a calesa here to tour you down the street but you can ask the “kutchero” or the driver to give you a tour of the city. They charge per hour but you can bargain for a calesa ride to historic places.

Aside from souvenir shops, there is a hotel, two cafes (Cafe Leona and Mocha Blend [yes!]), a restaurant, a disco bar, furniture stores and, yes, a funeral parlour(you got that right. I was shocked too)! Souvenir comes from the usual t-shirts, key chains, coin purses, ref magnets, Iloco fabric, wood work and so on and so forth.

It is recommended that you visit Calle Crisologo at night where the street lights make it more picturesque and it is not that hot. It takes my breath away each time at night.

Well that is just about it. For pictures, check out the pictures in my Facebook account. Here is the link:http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2584212843149.2144795.1189330393&type=3 and http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2558675684736.2143932.1189330393&type=1

I really enjoyed this particular trip to Vigan probably because I was really looking forward to it. Thanks to all my relatives for accommodating us and touring us as always. Till me meet again!

Booking

2011-10-22T12:56:00.000+08:00

Here I was minding my own business. Surfing the net. Checking my email. Tweeting. Changing my FB status. I even had time to watch a few videos in YouTube particularly the one of Sen. Miriam Santiago’s video where she is was delivering a very funny and entertaining opening for her speech in the University of the Philippines (which was very very funny indeed, you should check it out).

And then I did some searching via Google of something random.

Then I found myself on Cebu Pacific’s web page. A local airline that offers local and SEA flights to near by countries.

How did that happen, I don’t know. Honestly.

I have been wanting, well actually targeting to have my passport stamped at least once a year until it expires. One year has passed already.. FAIL

Me, mysteriously landing on the airline’s page was I think a sign for me to get it over with.

Singapore was first on my target. And want my travel to be on the date of my birth.

I looked for possible flights. I saw some promo ones, PHP 1699 one way. So, PHP 3398 round trip. “Not bad..”, I told myself. Since I would be travelling 7 months ahead of time, so I would have ample time to save up money to pay for the flight and procure the money for my leisurely spending. I knew you needed a credit card to seal the deal. Fortunately, I received mine two month ago. I said to myself “THIS IS IT PANSIT” (pansit, is tagalong I think for stir fried noodles. The saying does not actually mean something. It just rhymes). Again I thought it was cheap. I clicked next. Mind you, I have never booked a flight EVER! So I was de-virginized . Going back, I selected the date, (May 16 to May 19), clicked the promo flight bit. I entered by details, baggage cost, and other stuff needed. I was really easy and actually enjoyable that I neglected looking at the total bill. It was now up to 6,000 plus! I considered a bit but said “what the heck!”, I entered my credit card details and clicked OK, and VIOLA!

I have a booking!

It has been Monday since the booking and I have been thinking of what to do in Singapore and places to visit and food to eat. Well, let’s just say that I’m really really really excite about this trip as this would be my first travel abroad EVER! So it doesn’t matter if I go by myself. Well, the truth is, I have friends in SG who can give me a tour. But meeting new people would be absolutely nice too! So for now, I need to save up.

And if your in Singapore or planning to go too on the same date, see you soon. (hehehe)

EMOTE

2011-10-12T23:28:00.000+08:00

what do you do when you have nothing to do??

well i took pictures with Bookie's webcam.. take a look..

i call it...

EMOTE!

*try as i may to align the pictures in two rows, i can't.

EMOTE right?

Excursion in the city of MANILA

2011-09-24T14:10:00.001+08:00

Manila is just one of the 16 cities comprising of Metro Manila.

Every time that I went or passed by that city, I have always been fascinated by the different buildings that line up the roads: it’s city hall, post office museum, walled city, even its zoo! The idea of touring Manila always gave me a “What?! Yeah right..” feeling because of the numerous time that I have passed by the city as always just admiring it from afar. I actually have stereotyped the city as an unsafe place. Forgive my judgment (I know I can be straight forward). The idea did not even cross my mind until well, it crossed.

My friends, Josette and Mahal (two of my awesomest friends ever!) actually came up with this idea over sundaes and French fries of Mc Donald’s near our place in the wee hours of the morning. YES, we DO NOT gather to plot about something evil like “You’re going down!” (LOL) but we DO share our experiences and opinions. It’s a free country right? So going back, since we three need to get rid of stress and the negativity of our day to day lives, we started discussing about plans to travel. Our target is locally first. Of course, one would have to explore their own back yard before heading out to see the rest of the subdivision/ village right? Josette was able to get a hold of vouchers for a restaurant within Intramuros from which came the eureka moment of touring the city of Manila. We spent the night away planning our itinerary.

September 17 was the scheduled date of our excursion where we were supposed to meet each other up at 6:00am. 6:00AM! Having partied the previous night (‘cause it was TGIF), I was under the sheets at 3:30AM of the same day. I knew it was way too late to plea for a reschedule (duh?!) so I sent a text message to both Mahal and Josette saying they should push on with the original plan and that I would be catching up with them after a 4 hour sleep plus my apologies. I set my alarms for 8:30 am (my clock is 30 minutes advance, too might right?) them collapsed.

I woke up at 7:00 am (dang body clock!)! I tried to get more shut eye but to no avail. Laid down for a few more minutes, to check for hangover. Negative! Surprised as I may, I knew that I have to get up and prepare for the excursion. I texted them that I am up and about and will join them in our meeting place after I fixed myself up and packed my things. Good thing they were willing to wait. And by around 8:00 AM, we were bound for Manila.

First stop MANILA ZOO! Yes yes I know. What would three young adults (no disagreements please!) do in a zoo??! WELL ENJOY OF COURSE!

The zoo was built..ahmm..well.. I don’t know (blushes) HAHAHAHA.. We didn’t bother to do research. Well from the recent news of the zoo, there have been some additions and some losses from the zoo. The one giraffe from the zoo died due to plastic intake. There are some new features in the zoo like a mini park with play areas for kids plus statues of elephants and other animals in the zoo. I was able to visit just once apart from the this visit and it was so long ago..We saw the animals and surprisingly we all three agreed that animals should not be placed in cages but should roam the wild free. Maybe we should join PETA?

Next on the list was Museong Pambata (Children’s Museum). I know, i know.. Grown ups in children’s museum?? It was fun! The pictures will speak for themselves.

By the time we got out of Museong Pampata, we were hungry from all the laughing on the things that we did. So we decided to have lunch. Mahal knows this good authentic Chinese restaurant called ONGPIN MANROSA where they have GIANORMOUS siomai. They really were BIG! Food was amazing and of the lemon grass tea! LOL

From ONGPIN we walked to Quipo Church and it's historical Plaza Miranda. We didn't visit the church itself, the original Nazarene was I think moved to another place. We actually went there for a bit of fortune telling! hahaha.. A bit weird right? Fortune telling at the side of the church plus if you look around still, there are amulets and herbs there. What would Jesus say? We weren't able to take much pictures cause it was a bit risky.

The National Museum was next on the list. This was actually one of the locations that I was excited about since I have never been in there at all. This was where the "Spoliraum"" was displayed to the public for free! I can now actually say "I've seen it..For real" The exhibits on display were from national artist. I really enjoyed this one since as they say, "the arts is cleansing for the soul." We were a bit tired by now but we had a blast busting dancing traditional move to the tune of Pinikpikan's "Ina Ineneng" at the National Museum 2 (yes there's a second building!)

Fort Santiago was next in line in the city of Intramuros a.k.a. the Walled City. This was where the Philippines' Dr. Jose Rizal was held before he was executed. It was full of history since some of the structures were more than 300 years old. Might I add, that it was a bit creepy at night. I actually saw a man on a horse cantering away.

It was raining hard when we were in Fort Santiago and light was fading fast already. Plus I was suffering from a swollen eye that I didn't have any idea what caused.

We were supposed to end the entire tour in Rizal Park, the 0 kilometer location in the Philippines. But the weather was not cooperating with us plus the swollen eye. We decided to call it the end our our Manila tour and start with our Pak Pak Boom Boom Birth celebration of Josette in SM Mall of Asia.

There are still a lot of places to visit in Manila. I MEAN A LOT more! Maybe we'll schedule another date. Let me know if you want to come along will you?! :)

Classified

2011-08-30T23:35:00.000+08:00

When we say classified, we mean secret, confidential, private. Ad on the other hand is a.k.a advertisement/ public announcement. (thanks Office Word synonyms, bill gates you’re such a genius!)

Well have you heard of classified ads? In new papers most probably right? The first source of general information and news which almost everybody reads from almost cover to cover.

So if classified is synonymous with secret and ads are public announcements, therefore a classified ad is publicly announcing a secret, correct? Then it might be a good means to go OUT! Divulge your secret! More like LETTER VOMIT! hHAHAHAHAH.

This entry is not a vocabulary lesson..

I have had received textmates (mates who always communicate with you through text messages) saying that they got my number from a classified ad in a website in the internet (which I never did!). It always started with a “Hi” or an “ASL” or a missed call. Whenever I get these messages, I don’t answer right away. I might be busy or I didn’t want to be bothered. But whenever I do answer, (yes, I am not that mean to totally ignore, well almost...hahahahaha),I always get the same questions aside from ASL. “what’s your FB?” or “what do you look like?” or blah blah blah and so on and so forth. I would answer them to the best I can and ask them also, “where did you get my number?” they would be say they found it online ALWAYS. My next question is always, “what website?” they say “OLX”. Then there would be some exchanges but often I somehow get bored and end up ignoring their text messages (being a meanie is innate in everyone?!?<big smile> )

I was intrigued by the idea that my number was posted in a website on the internet that can be seen by anyone. I was a bit scared but didn’t mind it at all and proceeded on with my life with an occasional text from here and there.

Earlier this August, I had an idea. A EUREKA moment if you may. I looked for olx.com (yes, i didn’t bother at all to check the said site since hearing it). It was a classified ads web site containing thousands, maybe millions or even billions of ads for this and that and anything under the sun. This included people posting ads looking for other people. Not LOST people ha! (this is supposed to be in the lost and found section! Hahahahah kidding!) But people looking for other people (you know what i mean, uhumm<nodding>) Are we on the same page now?

I looked through the site and saw that I can post my own ad for FREE! This is the EUREKA moment. I made a post with me looking for someone <wink wink> with these words “i’m looking for someone, not sure who but it could be you, so if you fit, we might just be a hit“(o db?can this be considered sales talk??) plus a picture of me with my biggest smile (yes, i have a good smile). I was actually pessimistically thinking that there would be no reply to that ad since i know there are a lot of ads and just what are the chances, right? I was wrong.

I was actually surprised to see posts saying “let’s be friends. Here’s my number _____” and “check me out on fb <email address>. There was even one like this “professional massage <blah blah blah>”. These were just some about 15 plus replies. It does work amazingly. I was actually thinking that there would be no responses at all but I was wrong.

The next thing that I did was actually to check out the Facebook pages of the people who posted. Some looked nice, others were OK and majority were.. ahm..how would i say this.. MABAIT sila, as in MABAIT., hahahaahahaha (did you get it??, I’m sure you would be still laughing at this point if you got it).

In every experiment, there are supposed to be conclusions to be made. Here are mine on this “classified” experiment:

1. 1. The internet is a good way to meet people

2. 2. Internet classified ads can have result and responses

3. 3. The people who responds are not always the people whom you would like to have responded

4. 4. Some identities that you meet over the internet might not be what their profile says. So BE CAREFUL at all times

5. 5. There are a lot of people looking for other people over the internet.

6. 6. A few chosen words can be more enticing to read than an entire paragraph (marketero!). Add an amazing picture then you have a good ad.

7. 7. Some people are just plain weird. And mean at times.

I’m not sure if the abovementioned conclusions made sense to you but hey, it’s mine.

You might be wondering if there are still people who comment on the ad that I made, I not sure.. I didn't bother to check anymore. Did I found friends through this experiment? Maybe .. Did I find what I was looking for? No, it was just an experiment.. Besides I have high standards. Yes, AKO NA ANG CHOOSY! hahahaha

ANG BABAE SA SEPTIC TANK (The Woman in the Septic Tank)

2011-08-14T23:35:00.000+08:00

The indie film industry in the Philippines has been an intriguing subject for me. I have never seen one movie at all well except today.

After burning my fats at the gym, I asked myself if I can afford to watch a movie. Ashamed as I am, but I was already PHP 1000 negative as of Thursday last week. By “negative” I mean, that I owe my parents money since my ATM ran empty for what so ever reason that I don’t know (HMMMM, that would be an interesting topic to write about too..note to self). Going back. I have wanted to watch this indie film from the recently concluded Cinemalaya (Philippines’ only indie film festival) called ANG BABAE SA SEPTIC TANK (The Woman in the Septic Tank). Having hear reviews from a good friends, I wanted to see it for myself plus ANG SAYAW NG DALAWANG KALIWANG PAA(The Dance with Two Left Feet). The first movie, because of amazing reviews was able to go mainstream primarily because the star of the film is a rising comedienne whom I liked since she was good.

Since it is my first indie movie ever, I did not know what to expect. I know that it would be definitely a different one from the conventional movies since budget is low for production but the story is normally good and it have that “kurot” (pinch) at the heart, I guess.

So there I was sitting in the movie house early for the 5:00pm screening (I was not so sure of the time since I keep time 40 minutes in advance, hahaha) enjoying my regular sized sour cream popcorn and water(yes, DIET??!) while several trailers of movies were being shown. I made a mental note on the movies that I had to watch out for. And the trailers kept coming, and the trailers kept coming, and the trailers kept coming. (my list of movies to watch out for was growing longer). Then finally the movie started.

It was a bit dragging, the beginning of the movie. The shot was that of the slums, showcasing the normal day to day life that one can expect. It showed a woman, cooking one pack of instant noodles to be shared by her and her seven children. The woman bathing her daughter. The woman dressing her daughter. The woman and her daughter, walking out of their neighbourhood, heading towards a condominium. The receptionist looking at the mother and daughter as they walked past the lobby to the elevators. The mother and daughter walking through the hotel corridor the stopping at a door who was opened by an old foreigner. The mother leaving her daughter with the man then rushing to the fire exist to cry her eyes out. There were no dialogues, just a narration that this is a scene, the shot, the time, and what happens in the scene. It was about poverty, human trafficking, and paedophilia. Well, the story of the movie within the movie that is.

The scenes were from the vivid imagination more like dream sequence of the production assistant that was travelling with her producer and director while travelling to a coffee shop, their pitstop before heading out for a meeting with the famous comedienne mentioned earlier. They ordered coffee with non fat milk(hmmm, health conscious much??). They ran in to an arch-nemesis whom they loathe so much for being a cocky <toot><toot> (it’s censored..sorry). Then they went to meet with the one and only Eugene Domingo. On the way, there was another couple of dream sequences where they are debating if Eugene Domingo is the best actress to play the role of Mila(the woman in the movie) or if two others would fit the role better or a non-actor. They settled for Eugene since they were already meeting her. Then the other one was the movie being a musical! It was amazing! I personally liked that one.

They arrive in Ms. Domingo’s residence, which by the way was finest crib that I have ever seen! Though I am not sure of this is her actual residence but it was so dang FINE in a major major way! Then came my most favorite part of the movie. I will not describe it here. YOU HAVE TO CHECK IT OUT FOR YOURSELVES! There is a guarantee that you will laugh your heart out. I did thanks to Eugene’s brilliance.

Location scouting was next shown. The director, producer and PA found the perfect location that they wanted to shoot only to find their car being pillaged by the slummers (people from the slums). Imagine the disappointment and helplessness. Well, it happens in life.

You might be asking how the name “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank” came to be?? Well, that was my question also. But then I saw the movie. You’ll get it I promise and it is the biggest surprise ever.

Birds eye view

2011-07-14T23:48:00.000+08:00

I am currently on a plane bound for davao as i am making this entry. The flight was a bit delayed and turbulence occurs here and there. It would be my first time to go to davao and i hope they have properly designated smoking areas there.. GOSH we need those in makati

This is my 3^rd out of town trip for this year and i pray that there would be more coming soon (sana talaga). and fortunately i got dibs on the window seat or more like i took over my officemate’s seat.. hahaha..

The view from the window is just simply breath taking. White clouds, blue see, green islands.. really amazing. I have seen some white sand beaches also. I took a mental note to count but i lost it. Hehehe. I even saw a cruise liners below speeding away. I could have sworn i saw a UFO along the way and a few kids waving at the plane.. hahaha just kidding.

The islands the we passed over were just amazing! White sand beaches of some were just sand bars lost in sea. I might consider jumping off the plane just to get there. I’m sure i would enjoy it more than what awaits me in davao. Or maybe it would be too early to say. Let’s see..

I would have loved to take pictures but i think the cabin crew would throw me off the place if i pulled out my mobile turned it on and took a shot. Although the experience of being thrown off the plane would be exhilarating, i’d rather not.

This is the longest flight that i have ever had. Sleep would be an amazing option but i can’t. My ear drums might burst. So i just decided to open up lappy and type along what ever comes to mind.

How I Became Friends with the Toilet?! WTF?!!

2011-06-20T01:32:00.000+08:00

A few minutes passed after 6:30 am June 18, 2011, “Kuya, should I quit drinking?” I asked the taxi driver. The driver chuckled then replied, “OK lang yan . Kelangan din ng katawan natin ng alak (It’s OK. Our bodies also need alcohol)”. I smiled. The man had a point.

June 17, 2011 past 6:00 pm: Our table was just served 4 Kamikaze at Spicy Fingers, Greenbelt 3. I immediately loved concoction! I know I’ve had Kamikaze before but never that good. Plus I was with really good company who consists of what I consider "my boys”. By that I mean, guys from the office who surprisingly I get along with comfortably. That is rare. Plus one of my boys girl. 5 all in all but we were still waiting for 3 more to join us from the office. Another round of Kamikaze zoomed to our table plus one Filipino platter (dilis, longganisa, tocino, tapa, green mango salad: YUM!). My ears were starting to turn red, the first indicator of having too much alcohol in my system. We ordered a pitcher of Kamikaze to get discounts before the happy hour ends. Another Kamikaze for me. We ran out of smokes so I volunteered to buy plus get medicine for a friend. We were able to successfully buy both with the exception of me dropping coins (OOPSIE J). We got back to Spicy Fingers, to find the additional 3 people were there already. They were planning to go to a place in Ortigas, Pasig but the plan didn’t push through. So one of my boys offered their place and all systems were go. We waited for 2 additional girls to join us but ended up being joined by just one. Another Kamikaze for me. By this time I was surprisingly OK still. So I thought.

We got to one of by boy’s place and of course smoked a few sticks. I need to take a break and bring down the alcohol level. We played a familiar arcade game first then videoke as usual. Then the 2^nd batch arrived. There was rum and coke available. Since we were singing, I had the mic obviously while trying to down 2 shots of rum chased by cola. They took the mic from me already, so I chatted around. I was handed a glass of the bar with pineapple juice. I remember talking with my new friend about girl stuff (yes! We don’t kiss and tell!<wink,wink>) I think I was still able down that drink.

This is where it started to get hazy. I stood up to smoke. Finished one stick. I know I was handed one drink which I think was something red and good. Took a few gulps. I knew I had to tinker belle so I went for it. Then BOOM! I slammed through the front cabinet <OOPSIE>. Eventually found myself in the bathroom but with my head down and this would better explain what happens:

me and the toilet

me done talking with the toilet

So I now know how I became best friend with the toilet. I remember being brought up to the couch when I finished taking with the toilet. Then to a bed after a few minutes. When I woke up, it was morning. Fortunately, there were still friends with me in the rooms. We washed up a bit and got ready to leave. My new friend was able to meet us we said our good byes and thanks yous and we were off.

Now why am I sharing this embarrassing moment? It’s not that I want to humiliate myself... It’s just to remind me that I was and felt alive at one moment J

Silver

2011-05-22T11:22:00.000+08:00

In wedding terms, if you are celebrating your silver anniversary, it means that you have been together for 25 years and counting.

We’ll I am not yet married..Yes! Still SINGLE.

But I just had a 5-day celebration of 25 years of my life! Yes you read it right.. 5 days of celebration.

Obviously I have existed for 25 year s and hopefully (and I mean HOPEFULLY) more years to come. As much as I don’t want to age a single day, it is inevitable. But on the bright side, the number 25 can still be seen in the calendar. AND! Age is most definitely JUST A NUMBER!

Day 1: Hopping

13^th of May was the start of everything! FRIDAY THE 13^th! This happens to be our sweldo day also so it was the best time to start celebrating. I was able to “harvest” the biggest sum of money that my ATM had ever experienced. And I mean EVER! Having seen my payslip and after fixing my jaws that I had to pick up from the ground because of awestruck, I decided to treat my group mates or as I prefer to call them, “kapatids” to dinner at a nearby small restaurant called “The Plantation” located at Palanca St in the Legaspi Village side of Makati. I’ve only been there a few times but their food is really REALLY GOOD! We would have enjoyed dinner better if it weren’t for the group next to our table who were composed of young men who were SO LOUD! The music in the restaurant was audible but their voices were THUNDEROUS! It was like they were a group of gay people with big macho bass voices. Do you get what I mean??

As mentioned, food at “The Plantation” is really good. We shared a fish course, a pasta plate and baby back ribs which we consumed in about an hour. Then we had one bottle of beer OF COURSE! A celebration would not be complete without alcohol. At around 9:00 pm we finished dinner and that one bottle of beer. It was still way too early to end a Friday the 13^th plus “harvest” day! Originally, I planned to go to Malate with another batch of friends and I would have to wait until 12 midnight to just be on time. So in short I needed to buy myself extra time. Good thing one of my group mates was meeting her husband in another resto/bar just a few minute walk from The Plantation.

True enough, I was at Bunchums located near the Plaza Fair entrance of Makati Cinema Square along Pasong Tamo Makati. We met up with my kapatid’s husband, ate again. I ordered 3 beers. This was what I have learned from a friend before going to a bar. Load up on alcohol from places that are cheaper since those sold in the bars are more expensive than usual. So I ordered 3 bottles of beer. And enjoyed a typical chit chat with my officemate and her husband. Having downed 2 and ½ of the 3 bottles, and having one already was taking its toll on my tired body. I was stressed. So I decided to skip the next bottle and worry again where can I kill time. It was around 10 o’clock. Two hours to go. And VIOLA! I found a party to gate crash for the mean time. A bunch of officemates were having a despidida for one of their group members at MUSIC 21, a videoke joint along EDSA Pasay. I saw them earlier in the office being picked up by the Music 21 van which was like totally cool! They are willing to pick up their customers for free. Anyway, before leaving Bunchums, I sent a text message to them asking permission if I can gate crash. I got a go signal!

Before I knew it, I was in Music 21 looking for room 22. I found it just fine and saw every one. It was my first time to be in a videoke joint and it was spacious enough for people within the rooms to do PUSH UPs when people get bored! Hahaha... Why push ups do you ask? I don’t know. It was just someone of our group did and it was hilarious. Since I was just a gate crasher in this party, I tried all my best to just blend in with the group and just pass the time. I was offered another beer, my 3^rd for the night and it was a Manila Beer, a old new beer that was reintroduced to the Philippine market although I’m not sure that they got there yet. I just sang along with their songs and sipped my beer and smoked a stick and of course chatted here and there. This particular group was like a group of cousins for me since I have worked with them during my AE days when I was still handling Microsoft . I have had a lot of memories with them particularly with the original members of the group. And by memories I do mean MEMORIES. It was 10:30 already and their reservation was over. Some of the group wanted to call it a night. Other like myself figured it was a too early to end the night so me and a few others decided to extend for another hour.

My problem was solved! Hehehehe.. Our extension would end at 11:30 pm which would just give me enough time to travel to Malate! We ordered another bucket and 2 packs of cigarettes. This was when i started singing and belting out! Hahaha.. I am not much of a singer really even though it runs in my blood. Guts to thrust myself in any situation, that was what I had plenty of! Everyone that was left sung their hearts out and some did their push –up (which I still can’t understand). So after a few well picked songs and after the 2 packs of cigarettes were empty, our time was up. We hailed different taxis to take us to our destinations. People going the same direction shared. At around 11:45 pm I was bound for Malate.

Day 2: Bar plus Silya

The Plantation, Bunchums and Music 21! Yeah baby, I’m on a roll! Hahaha

I arrived in Malate, particularly in Nakpil St. at around 12:03 am. It was already May 14. Hence this was the beginning of day 2 of my 5 day celebration. The morning was young in more ways than one.

I sent a text message to my friends that I am already in the area. Afterwards, I settled down in a nearby yosi(cigarette) stand for a “calm down” moment because based on experience, Malate comes instantly alive after the stroke of 12. True enough after I finished my first yosi, people were coming out of nowhere entering the different bars in the area. Due to my calm down moment, I missed my friends entry in the bar of our choice. So after my 2^nd stick, I went in to be bathed by darkness, loud music and smoke! Just like before. My entrance fee gives me 3 local beers for free. So having seen my friends, i went to the bar to get my drink then went back and mingled. We were near the entrance of the bar so imagine the traffic of people coming in. The good thing was we got the first view of the new comers (hehehe). Our group, a total of 8, was joined by two more who were friends of one of mine for a total of 10! Yes, ten! When I go to the bar, I always dance. I think I have some moves but not all the moves. I guess what I’m just saying is that I love to move. It’s either that or just my gusts. HAHAHA. Me and another who loved to dance made our way to the dance floor and on to the stage and grooved the night, or should I say, the morning away. There wasn’t much action like the last time I was in that bar just the usual pinching of butts on your way to the rest room and the usual stares and smile from people you would pass along. Well maybe you can’t always have a big “harvest”! But since I met new friends and had a blast dancing and of course the booze! I has a good time.

We left the bar at around 4:00 am. How time flies when you’re having fun. I guess in our case, we had great fun! After all the dancing and the drinking and laughing, we were all hungry. So we decided to go to Silya, a tapsihan (beef and fried rice with egg) restaurant just around the corner to all the bars where majority of the bar goers spend their breakfast after a hard morning’s worth of partying. This was not a fine dining restaurant. Heck it is a joint that have table that occupy ¼ of the road. We ordered the usual tapsihan. Looking around the other tables there were a couple of foreigners on one and on the other a group of boys with a girl. What brought my attention back to your table was this young boy who was carrying a bunch of roses selling it to my friend. Reality struck back and made me realize how lucky I still was having a full time job that pays for days like these unlike this young boy who is already up in the wee hours of the morning selling roses to different people. Well that sucks but that is life. Anyway, my friend bought three roses and have the boy send the flowers on the next table the one with the girl. We were all trying to contain our laughter as the young boy gave it to the girl instead to one of the boys he was with. HAHAHA. Still laughing bit when I remember. We enjoyed our meal and there were a lot more laughter then we said our goodbyes. I hailed a taxi and went home.

I got home at 5:00 am to be greeted by my mother, father and aunt who were busy early morning errands. There was a “hi” and “good morning” from me and I hit the sack and snoozed off to dream land.

The rest of Day 2 was spent sleeping. Need I say more.

Day 3: Shopping Galore

May 15, Sunday.

It was a hot summer day. REALLY HOT! I was rethinking of going to the mall since it was smouldering outside but decided that I really need to buy myself new stuff. Here was my list:

1. Long sleeved corporate attire - since I was getting more and more fatter every day. Yes! Hard to admit but it is SOOOO TRUE! I remember a good friend telling me about our stomachs. “Maybe it’s expandable to 10GB”, she said during dinner on Friday. HAHAHA. Still makes me laugh every time. We were all growing in our respective waistlines but still resist to diet ourselves was maybe our way of coping with stress.

2. Pair of jeans - I think I just buy one pair of jeans every year. The one I bought last year was still intact but was worn out already.

3. “Man” Bag/ Purse – I have been a fan of “man’ bag/ purse since I started working. There was just a corporate feel to it. My old one was still usable but reeks of smoke so it needed to be replaced.

4. Espadrilles – this is the newest shoe craze to hit the city. I don’t know where it comes from but it just poofed out of nowhere and now a lot of people wear them now. It’s like the new Converse’s Chuck Taylor. I just wanted it to be “in” with the crowd

5. School materials – this was for a charity event my college friends organized for a community near our university which I committed to attend to.

After 2 hours, I had purchased all of the above plus enjoyed a slice of white pizza from Sbarro.

I still had time to go to church.

Day 4: “The” Day

May 16^th! My birthday!

Since this was a Monday, i have to wake up early in order to get to work on time. I was greeted by my family with a great big “Happy Birthday”. I normally take my mobile phone with me when I bath so I can play music. Guess the first song that played? It was Born This Way by Lady Gaga<PAK>. I did my morning rituals and was off to work in one hour. Greetings from close friends were already pouring in my mobile phone and I replied to all of them expressing my gratitude.

Work was as usual except for officemates greeting me. As always, I said “thank you” to those who remembered.

At around 3:00pm. I decided to order pizza for our group and my AEs and friends. Pizza came at around 3:45. After distributing it to everyone. I settled to have one for myself and continue with the rest of the day.

After office I went to church as has been tradition with my family. After that, I went home to find home cooked spaghetti and carbonara made by my mother for the occasion. I ate again of course then slept.

Day 5: Biglaan

Biglaan means “in an instant”

May 17^th. Tuesday. My birthday already passed and I thought the celebrations would end already but there was one more trying to catch up.

I had a friend from college who earlier this year had a leg injury which needed to be cemented to be heal. She was out of circulation for a while while she was recovering. May 17^th she texted us that she was OK and that she would like to see us and just maybe buy a sundae cone from Ministop, a convenience store around Makati” and just hang out. Since I haven’t seen her in a while too I agreed to meet her. At first i thought she would be setting a date for this meeting so that the rest of the barkada can join but boy was I WRONG. At around 4:30pm, she texted me that two others from the barkada was joining us and that she will be leaving her office by 6:00 pm. The small get together I thought was for another day was going to push through today.

Our office was just a few minutes away from Glorietta so I said I’d smoke a few sticks to pass out the time. I was the 2^nd to the last one to arrive at the meeting place. HAHAHA. We were waiting for another friend but decided to look for a resto already. The restos we like were all full so we decided to walk to Greenbelt for more options. Mind you it was another hot day. We settled for Bubba Gump in Greenbelt and ordered a shrimp platter, baby back ribs and a fish dish. We were trying to convince the staff that it was my birthday in the hopes of getting a scoop of vanilla ice cream for free but to no avail. Having dinner with college friends was just like when we were in college although I felt a bit awkward since they remained the “model students” that they were back in college: no vices and drinks occasionally. Unlike me. But the night was still enjoyable for me. I treated them to coffee to prolong the night since I did miss their company. Before we used to have group dates where we would go our separate ways after 5:00 am.

We walked towards the parking lot whre my friend parked and enjoyed a few more laughs at past 10:00 pm. This was a bit late considering it was a weekday. Since they were all going the same way, I took the bus going home.

There you go. 5 days of celebration of my 25 years of existence.

Normally, I don’t celebrate my birthdays this extravagantly. I just treat it as another day but still am thankful for an extra year of being alive.

This was just special since it was my SILVER birthday party. This seems to be the same calibre as my birthday last 2009. We drank freshly brewed beer from Grappas with a handful of close office mates plus a special guest whom I thought would not show but he still did. We went to a friend’s condo, played poker till the morning. Then he drove me home<kilig>

What the future holds for me, I would never know. There would be no guarantee if I will reach my GOLDEN birthday party. I would just have to look at the sky’s silver lining every day, wish for the best and brace myself for whatever it is out there.

042411 life realizations

2011-04-24T18:39:00.000+08:00

The reason why people don’t like to have dull and boring moments is because it is in these moments that we get to reflect on life: what we are doing with our lives, where are we in our life’s journey, and why are we here. Since the brain is the only organ in the human body that never stops working (except when you’re dead), it always works even when we do nothing.

This past long week end, I have had my fair share of boredom having nothing much to do since we were just stayed home most of the time. I joined my mother for a procession last Friday which was a bit more of an exercise than a religious experience. Our family only went out last Saturday for a day under the sun with a hoard of other vacationers who went to hot springs. Yup, I may have not satiated my want to go to a beach. But I wouldn’t trade it for family bonding time, even it was just a public swimming pool.

I realized the following though:

1. There are a lot of religious people still in the county.

I have always thought that religion is essential for every person for something to cling on during difficult times.

When I attended a procession last Friday, it was like Divisoria! FYI, Divisoria is a place in Manila where you can buy stuff from school supplies to wedding decors at a bargain that is if you buy in bulk. There were so many people! The term I would use would be “bumper to bumper” because it was like traffic. People would move with the statues then stop then move again. Although the procession started out with a lot of people, the numbers dwindled even before the procession ended at the church again. Well to each their own. I just depends on how you define faith.

2. There are still cynical individuals among the faithful

I am included in this. I am somewhat a cynic when it come to traditions of the Catholic Church. Yes I believe in God but not all the traditions. For all we know, some of these traditions are just made up and are not necessary to be “saved” or to be classified as “faithful”. For me, so long as you believe and do your best to live a good life, that would be enough. Well, again, to each their own.

3. It is all a matter of PERSPECTIVE

Whatever happens to you in your life has both positive and negative things. What matters is how you look at it. Though it would be better to look at both sides of the coin, but don’t dwell too much on the negative. You should see the negative as opportunities to make your life better. My life was on edge last April, and it was really taking a toll on me but I just thought, whatever happens, I’ll learn from the mistake and never do it again and look forward to a better tomorrow. Oops, I forgot.. AND WORLD PEACE (HAHAHAHA)

I know these realizations are few for the entire long weekend (toinks!) but I got distracted along the way.. HAHAHA.. Who wouldn’t take advantage of a time off from work and do stuff like watch movies on tv (thank god for cable TV, numerous channels to choose!), and a bit of loner time and bonding moments with family and sleep and internet and so on an so forth. This happens only a few instances in a year. So GOGOGOGOGO!

Happy Easter all! I’m going to look for the Easter bunny and ask it, “what is your significance in Easter? I really don’t get it..”

Kilig moments

2011-04-10T00:58:00.000+08:00

Ah yes! Kilig moments... Kilig is a Filipino word that I’m not sure if there is an English equivalent. I guess kilig can be high level of sweetness or cheesiness. If you’re Filipino, please help me finding the correct word.

I’m pretty sure that we all have our fair share of kilig moments with our crushes, ex-es , partners, and whatever your terms of endearment maybe. Right?? Am I psychic-ly seeing a smile on my reader’s face? This is really something that can make people smile no matter what they are going through. J

The inspiration for this entry was a video posted by my friend for her friend in Facebook called “Love Language”. It was about this boy and a girl who met on a park bench. The guy made a move by asking the about how nice the day was (uhmhm, typical boy move!) but since the girl had ear phones on didn’t bother to make any comment. 2^nd day was the boy waiting for the girl to arrive. When she did and since she still have earphones, the boy tried to engage her into a conversation using post-its! GENIUS right??! They ended up spending the entire conversation using post-its and agreeing to meet the following day. 3^rd day, boy was there, girl enters with earphones still on bringing her own post-its. The usual conversation transpires. Then the girl offers the guy to listen to what she was listening to. Boy was surprised that there was no music followed by the girl signing she was deaf. The video ended with the boy passing the girl a post-it that reads, “you’re still beautiful.”. I died(channelling Rachel Zoe, hahahaha)! Super KILIG!. The video was by Jubilee Project, an organization that assists deaf people.

Check it out in YOUtube by searching “Love Language”. You’ll smile too for sure. J

I hope with me backtracking the inspiration for this entry has given you an idea of what KILIG means. If you still don’t, just read on OK? <beautiful eyes>

Believe it or not, I do have a few kilig moments myself. And here they are:

1. I was in resort for our college’s year end celebration and I have a textmate then. I was night already and we were already in our rooms, we were texting about how we would tickle each other. My text mate texted that would tickle like a parent would tickle a baby by blowing at my belly button and making raspberry sounds.

2. Again in a resort with friends. After almost a whole day fun filled activities, I was exhausted! So I decided to clean up and lie down on a bench and try to rest. After a few minutes, I open my eyes to see my crush hovering over me and flashing me with his great big smile. It was like a spiderman and mary jane (I blanked out for a second there and can’t recall her name hahaha) moment where spiderman was dangling from his web with mary jane kissing him upside down.

3. I was looking for our adviser to have her sign some of our project proposal and I was accompanied by one of our college’s volleyball player. I was not sure was on a bad mood on that day (PMS maybe, hahahaha) or I was playing mean. I was not talking and not even looking at my companion. I found our adviser gave her the papers. Then all a sudden was hugged from behind and found myself swept off my feet by my companion with a whisper “bakit hindi mo ako pinapansin?(why are you not looking at me?)” with my adviser just saying “Kelangan may ganun?(i can't translate it to English, sorry)”

4. I was an irregular student for a physics class that was my last class for the day. I stuck with another irregular who happen to be from the same college as me and lucky passed all my criteria. On our first day of classes, we were seatmates, looked at each other and smiled. The next thing I know, we ended up having heavy snacks every after class.

5. We had a late night practice for our Sabayang Pagbigkas. This was an inter-level completion so we were all third years. After an hour of practice, we were exhausted. We were all joking around in a mild manner. We were face to face with each other. Then there was “Tabi ka nga sakin(sit next to me).” Next thing I know, we were sitting next to each other, hand in hand.

6. It was our baccalaureate mass and pre-graduation celebration. I was singing in the program so we had to do a little practice during the show and because of that, I was not able to receive my award for CONGENIALITY. After the program, I was approached by number 5 asking if I would like to go to their place to hang out. We would be alone.

7. It was a Friday night and you know what that means, ALCOHOL! We used to go to this place about 4 blocks away from our office to drink. And I normally get asked to sing. I did my thing and another person was called to sing. All of a sudden, other people were asking us to sing together. Everything in the check list was CHECKED. We sang a song while holding hands and I ended up getting a kiss. People cheered.

8. I arrived early in the office and since it was not my official time, I went down our building to by my breakfast, a cup of Energen, and smoke. I was a not in a good mood that day so I had my music on with one ear phone down. Music and nicotine was not working as I wanted it to. I then hear a “good morning”. I didn’t bother to look because it might not be for me. But there was a other “good morning”. I again didn’t bother. The next “good morning” was a bit louder and with a “girl”. I know it would be rude not to look. The good morning came from the newbie who has all the checks, bearing a big smile. Surprisingly, my mood changed.

To be honest, I’m a bit pink right now because of blood rushing through my face from remembering all of these stuff.

Having looked back at everything, I can say I have taken the first bite from several apples but never got to finish them. Oh well. I least I take bites. J

Can you do me a favour though? Please choose one KILIG moment that you really like by making a comment. You can make one even if you don’t have a Google account. Thanks :)

040311_the princess' story

2011-04-03T17:50:00.000+08:00

During my college days when I was about to finish college, I made a story and it goes like this:

Once there was a beautiful princess who was feeling lonely by herself in her chamber. She missed her friends: her fairy godmother, the pixie princess, the gentle giantess, the famous singer, the funny jester, the beautiful muse, the well known dancer, the sorcerer’s apprentice, the knight in training, and the handsome prince.

A tear rolled down her eyes as she knows that they will soon got their separate ways to pursue their own dreams and their destinies. A gentle breeze approached her and said, “why are you crying my dear?”. The princess replied, “I miss my friends..”.

The gentle breeze brushed the tear from her face and said, “Don’t worry my dear. Do you see the moon and the stars?”. “Yes.”, she replied. “Always remember that where ever they are in this world, you share the same sky. And they can see the moon and stars as well.”, said the breeze.

The princess then smiled and was never lonely again.

OK. The story might have changed a bit particularly the last part but I think I got the main story line. Hehehehe.

Having looked back at this story, my dream of writing a book was awakened. Although this storyline would be a bit “for the kids” and a little cheesy, I still think that this is a good start. I would have to look for a good illustrator and a publishing company first before I can completely put a check on that box.

Hope you enjoyed it! J

my life so far

2011-03-27T17:10:00.000+08:00

They say that there is always a magical moment that happens to you everyday. Yes this might be true but I am not sure if this happens to me everyday..

Based on my opinion I live pretty much a regular normal and sometimes boring life. On a weekday, I get up, dress eat then travel to the office using public transport, walk to our office, work, eat lunch, work again, prepare to head home, travel home again using public transport, settle at home, eat dinner, watch TV, then sleep to repeat everything again until Friday. On some Fridays, when my wallet would permit me, I could go to different places, drink alcohol, sometimes get drunk. My weekends are just about the same but I normally stay indoors, watch TV, eat, watch more TV, take care of my niece, watch TV again then sleep. On some occasions, I spend hours finishing a venti hot tee at Starbucks by myself like this instance. See pretty normal. Almost routinary with little tweeks from time to time.

Although I did not realize this just now. I have come to accept that this is my life and that I am completely OK with it. But there are times that I would have liked it another way. For example, travelling on a week end to some exotic place for R and R. Or go abroad for some adventure. Or spend time with friends. But that is not just the case. I know that there is always an option for me to do that but some factors are limited like financial stuff. But sometimes, I guess, I’m just not in the mood for those kinds of stuff. I prefer to be alone most of the time specially on a week ends. I enjoy movies by myself and going to places by myself also. Don’t get me wrong. I am not a hermit and prefer human interaction from time to time. I guess I am not that open to a lot of people. And like everyone less, treasures alone time. Well may be I prefer it more than others. In my days of visiting Starbucks, I rarely see a person having coffee on their own. They always have company. Well, their choice and my choice. Period.

You might wonder, what about my love life? There is always spice when you have love life. Chilis, sugars, bitter flavouring(I am not sure if there is a spice for bitterness), soy sauce, vinegar and so on and so forth. The list is endless. Well, it is zero (hahaha) and I don’t care at all. Yes there are moments in life when you would like to have someone by your side. But I have survived for 24 years and counting as a single person and it have been OK. So am not in any hurry to have someone. Maybe I’ll panic a bit if I am still single at the age of 50. 26 years to go then.. But am still optimistic. J

I’m not sure if there is someone out there who would like the same lifestyle that I lead. These would be people who have no tome for themselves anymore, I guess. Is there such a person? If ever I meet some one like that I would still not trade my life for his/hers. Well maybe for a “hers” (hahahahaha).

What can you say about my life? Somewhat boring right? I can still say that my life is pretty much OK looking than others. But all I can say is, there is something magical indeed that happens to me every single day: I still wake up every morning and at times later in the day. That is indeed MAGIC!

life in sales

2011-03-19T18:05:00.000+08:00

I have been wanting to write about life in sales but was unsuccessful for the longest time. Probably because my experience is not that established yet and up until now I am still learning the ins and outs of sales.

I have been with an IT distributor for 2 years, 8 months and 19 days to be exact. Still seems pretty short right? But for me it seems like a long time. Promise. Here are some of the things that I have realized in that period:

1.) There is no work that is easy to do – Each job entails challenges and difficulties. It is up to you on how to manage everything, get it done or exceed expectations since this is why you got hired to the job.

For sales, the daily challenge is to meet the quotas and targets. Easy to say but challenging to achieve. You just have to use your arsenal of talent with your charming personality and a bit of luck. You might just reach what you do.

2.) Don’t expect any sale if you did not work for it – Since majority of sales people have commissions, they need to earn it by visiting and calling the clients, making proposals, checking the stocks and everything. EVERYTHING! From collection of due accounts, monitoring of store level stocks. Everything! There are chances of getting sales while just seating in the office but those are rare cases. Sales is like planting: you have to place the seed, nurture it, protect it from the elements and grow it to a big tree. Like I said, it is HARDWORK!

3.) There is no such thing as perfect – FAILURE! Not all proposals will lead to a sale. Most of the time, it ends in failure. Maybe because they still have stocks or that your product is not being asked by the customers or they don’t like you product at all. I have firsthand experiences of failure many times. I normally get depressed before but I learned to check what went wrong, learn from it, then move on. Your time would be better utilized if you get back on the horse and ride again than mope around to lick your wounds<eiww>

4.) Relationship is important – In order to continually grow your business strong relationship must be established with your clients. Each client is different so they should be treated differently. A successful relationship is built on trust and it should be maintained always. But we must always remember who we are working for. Your company must not be aggrieved. There must always be balance. Go for the WIN-WIN situation always!

These were just some the things that I’ve learned from that period. I know that these are not enough to merit me a part time teaching post or a book. The thing about sales is that it is always challenging. I am not saying it’s hard because that would be a bit leaning to the negative side. Challenging is a more positive one. And I am still learning more and more each day. Like they say, each day is a new day.

Sales is still one of the most financially rewarding career in the entire world. Yes, all can do sales, but not all can handle the challenge. J

031311 Deer in Headlights

2011-03-13T21:26:00.001+08:00

While we were looking at the other way to make a U-turn, there were two yellow lights rushing towards us! And then COLLISION...

March 12, 2011 started out as a normal day for me. Since I came from a meeting last Friday, I came home late. Although I would have liked to have a belly full of beer, I settled with dinner with friends and a belly full of laughter. So going back. I got home late. Slept in the wee hours of the morning with the thought of going to DLSU-D to eat Stromboli. I know I have been announcing how much I miss that oh so good food that is actually a Hawaian pizza that is folded to form a bread with tomato sauce, cheese, pineapple, and ground pork. (OMG, I just started salivating hahahahhaa)

Another thing happening was the canvassing of votes for the DLSU-D’s college student councils and university student council. Of course, being a council officer before, it was another good reason to visit. I met up with a good friend of mine, Keka with her baby(which also happen to be my god child) and her youngest sister. We were off to DLSU-D by around 2pm and got there after an hour. We met up with our friends chit chat and heard news for this and that. Then went to the square canteen hurriedly might I say(hehe). When we got to the stall that sells Stromboli, they say it’s all out! I almost died. hahahaha. Just kidding. The good this was there was two orders of baked mac left. This particular baked mac is also good. So I just got settled for it. Slowly eating to savour each bite. After eating we went back to our friends to monitor the canvassing of vote. We were already doing good though not perfectly good as we would have wanted it. For 11 years in the running our party was a source of leaders for our university. 11 years!

From a college building we moved to the College of Business Administration (Home of Achievers! J ) to break the ice and for a bit of enjoyment. I had fun memories of that lobby. I did my first ever fashion show of business attire there, plus a lot of fun and enjoyable memories as well. Everyone was having a good time. There was food. There were discussions and stories to be shared about what has happened in the school over the past year, the campaign period and so on and so forth. The counting was put on hold since there was a curfew already within the university by 9:00 pm to be resumed by Monday. We ran out of food during and our stomachs were asking for a bit of attention already so we headed for a 24 hour burger and tapsilog joint Countryside at Villa Nicasia, which I called home for 4 years and a half of my college life. I remember that that particular place was formerly a Burger Machine joint. Much has changed already. Rumour has it that there will be a Starbucks opening soon also. Progress sometimes happen very fast. At least I was updated.

After getting our fill, we were off all 11 of us.7 will be riding in the car going north. 3 will travel by motorcycle going further south. We said our goodbyes and our “ingats” to each other. I was in the car. We were laughing and sharing stories still in the car until we reached Imus where 3 from our group would be dropped off. Since there was an infant in that group we made a you turn to drop the off the other side. Another round of good byes again and “ingat”. I moved to the front passenger side and we were off. I recall thinking twice to wear the seatbelt but didn’t bother. Then we assisted our friend to make a U turn. Since this was a highway we needed to do proceed with caution since jeepneys, trucks and private cars were whizzing with great speeds. We made a signal to turn left. A jeepney slowed to a stop to give way for us in the two laned highway and we proceeded again with caution. We were about to complete the left turn when all of a sudden, two yellow headlights suddenly approached us with great speed. And then collision.

I remember seeing the light then closed my eyes for the impact and holding on to the driver, Mahal. I heard someone saying “Break! Break!” but is was nearly impossible since we were just hit at the driver side. The impact was strong that the car was moved a few meters from the point of collision. Mahal was able to step on the breaks a few seconds later and i looked at every one in the vehicle. Everyone was OK. I asked Mahal if she was ok but she wasn’t but is conscious and can talk. I got out of the car to look at the damage. It was big! I asked her again, she said she’s stuck and her head hurts. The rest of the people with us in the car got out also. Keka was also there since she saw the whole thing.

The good thing was we were right in front of the mall where security guards we patrolling. There was a guard saying that they have contacted the police already and is asking if they would contact an ambulance to. I said yes. Since Filipinos were innately inquisitive(a more nicer word than “nosy”), people were asking us if we were OK. We needed to get Mahal out of the car first. She asked me to call her parent which I did. I told them that she was safe and request that they come soon. She was able to move herself and step out of the car. She was OK. A sigh of relief issued. The next thing was to deal with everything. We call our friends who lived nearby who turned up quickly to assist us. The jeepney collided with the mall’s plant box. Apparently all of the passengers were also safe. Gene, another co-passenger, was already in a heated argument with a stupid motorcyclist claiming that our car was about to run him over and yadahyadahyadah.. IRRELEVANT! We were the one who got hit and he had the nerve to blame us and yet there was no damage to him! GRRR.. The jeepney driver was also saying that we came out of nowhere and so on and so forth. INCORRECT! And we can prove it (I guess our political party also prepared us for that kind of arguments). The police came and dismissed the stupid motorcyclist and made sketches of the area then called in for a tow truck to tow the jeep. The car was still functioning. Both of the cars were brought to the police station.

Mahal and I got to the police station via the tow truck. I rode at the back with all the chains. While travelling, I was checking myself. I was intact but had a manageable pain in my head and probably from the impact. But was OK. I kinda laughed a bit since I was OK. A bit loony right? The rest of our group got to the police station by the car. Keka’s baby and youngest sister were picked up by her mom while we were still at the mall. The rest of the group got to the police station and met up with everyone who came. Mahal made her statements and was interrogated by the police with the jeepney driver. We hanged out in the vicinity of the police station and shared our stories. Waited for the investigation to finish then went to our respective homes.

Having calmed down while waiting for the investigation to finish, I realized something. You can’t see your whole life in a flash when you are about to have an accident. I didn’t. I just saw two yellow head lights and got stuck like a deer in head lights waiting to get hit. I guess you can’t do much at that point. You can just brace yourself for the impact and wish that everything would be OK. That is just what you can do. Another thing I realized, that if it is your time to die, you can’t do anything at all. Having seen the car damage, I can say we have some lucky star or a number of guardian angels looking over us! And thank God for that! I still need to do my purpose in life still although I haven’t figured it out yet.

Since I am not the type of person who dwells well in to the negative, I would just say this: “Sh*t happens each and every day. We just have to go and deal with it the best way we can.”

030511 Rain!

2011-03-05T19:57:00.000+08:00

Rain! Glorious RAIN!

although i like the song,"Walking on Sunshine", i still prefer my fair share of rain!

i can't remember my affinity with rain. may be i was born under an earth element sign Taurus or its just something that no longer needs to be explained.

when ever it rains it feel really good. from a business seminar that i joined to, they say that rain has anions that are supposed to make us feel good. also, rain brings in cold which is another thing that i really like. it also gives me this relaxed feeling that makes me want more rain. that it should not end. that might not be a good thing to wish for because i don't want a repeat of flooding from the strongest rain storm our country had where it caused landslides and floods that led to people being stranded and dead. too much of the good stuff is indeed to much.

but on a day like this, where it is just drizzling, no strong winds.. it's just good. add a cup of something hot, whether coffee, tea or soup, it will turn out to be great. then go out to get soaked in the rain, then it would be just perfect! hehehe.

when i was a kid, i used to get out and get soaked and play in the rain. my parents would allow me if it was really raing hard otherwise, they would say "you'll get yourself a bad cold"..and i sure missed those days. twas really a liberating thing! i remember running in the rain then faceplanting myself to slide across the s. then standing up to see scratched knees and legs plus a tear on my shorts.. hahahah..and i'll have a hot bath afterwards..ah, those were the days..carefree right? as i grew, it just the habit died away. though i would like to get drenched still but that would be just weird if i was in by business attire looking all corporate but wet.. it just won't do.. heheh

now a days, i still appreciate the rain although indoors or with a roof above my head. but would appreciate a day to relive the good old days to get my self wet with rain..

030311 After a Long While

2011-03-03T23:47:00.000+08:00

It has been a long time since I last blog. If you have been a reader of mine you would know that i normally have a new entry once a week. But I have slipped. I feel like a sober addict that just took a substance just out of the blue. Maybe am just getting into Biography channel’s “Intervention” show where addicts share a part of their life.

Since I had time this week, I thought a topic would come like a breeze. But it is not coming! As in “nadah”. I’m not even sure if that’s a word there you go: “NADAH”. Normally when I write, I do it on a Saturday afternoon at a the nearest Starbucks from our house, with a Venti hot camomile tea plus about 5 to 8 sticks of nicotine. And after about 3 to 5 hours, when I have finished my tea or it has gone cold, VIOLA! I am about to post my entry online.

For the past week I am not sure if I didn’t have time or just didn’t have the inspiration or didn’t have anything to write about. I couldn’t help but wonder<channelling Carrie Bradshaw again>

Is it really possible to run out of things to write about??

Hmmm.. <thinking>

I think it is IMPOSSIBLE to run out of things to write about. There are so many things under the sun to write about! Not to mention the things around the sun and where the sun don’t shine. So all in all, there are about a SUPER DUPER OVER MEGA MAJOR MAJOR GAZILLION things to write/ discuss about. Me expressing my lack of topic or inspiration per se is already something to talk about! <duh> Silly me thinking (quite long perhaps) that there is a possibility to run out of things to write <scoffs>.

Then what was it? The reason of why I still have no entry for a week.

Time?

Hmmm..<no, thinking would not take that long> I was busy for the past weekend. A couple of Saturdays ago, I was with new friends and I mean new. As in “JUST MET” new and I got drunk. And, I’m pretty sure that you know what happens when I get drunk. I won’t say it because it is always a disgusting thing. You get it?? If not, I recommend you drink till you almost drop and then look down for a couple of minutes then you would know what it would be like. (UH HMM) <head movement from side to side>. The following Saturday, I played badminton! YEY! As in YEY! It has been a while since I played and I have been declining several offers already from an old friend from the “JUST MET” group. So I said yes to his next invitation. Who wouldn’t after an embarrassing incident? It was A LOT of FUN though! I got to work my muscles that already have cobwebs around it. The body aches that lasted for 2 to 3 days was all worth it.

Time was indeed the perpetrator of the lack of entries. I think.

Just have to make time for it in order to not find it hard to start again.

As they say, a well oiled machine is GREASY! <PAK!> Hahahahah